How To Write Your First Novel

I’ve always loved reading books but the idea of writing my own is something I’ve only recently thought about. Though I have a fair bit of writing experience, I didn’t really have any storytelling and was struggling to think of ideas.

So last year, I decided to take a free online course as a first step for how to start writing fiction. (I highly recommend it – there’s so much substance to the lessons which I wasn’t expecting from a free course!) During this time, I happened to be invited along to Stylist Live and when I looked at the events and talks on for the day, one stood out straight away: “How To Write Your First Novel – And Actually Finish It.” I knew I had to go. And it turned out to be an influential moment on my novel writing journey…

The talk was being presented by actress turned author, Janet Ellis, who I found to be such an engaging and inspiring speaker. I clung onto her every word and desperately jotted down notes.

Some of the things I learnt from the talk at Stylist Live

After I left, I ordered her latest book and a couple of months later tweeted: “About to read a book by the author who inspired me to start my first novel. Thank you @missjanetellis #TheButchersHook #inspiration”

To my surprise, my tweet got the best response I could have ever asked for:

And the rest, they say, is history! After receiving such helpful feedback from Janet, I thought it’d be nice to share some of her best advice with you. She kindly agreed to spare a little time and has provided such a refreshing perspective with very genuine answers – even admitting that she’s still not over her fear of sharing new work!

Get To Know Janet Ellis

Janet Ellis

Q: What was the last thing to make you laugh out loud?

A: Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon in The Trip. Really accurate and funny writing, painfully honest performances and great impressions.

A: I don’t think you should feel guilty about any pleasure, unless it involves breaking the law!

Q: Great answer! What are you reading at the moment?

A: The Girls by Emma Cline

Q: If you could try any other job in the world, what would it be?

A: Lawyer. Or tour guide.

Q: How do you like to unwind?

A: Walking. Cooking. Eating.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?

A: Nice offer! We’ll always have Paris.

Q: What’s your biggest literary pet peeve?

A: The assumption that writing is ever easy. And no more books about gin-drinking mums, please.

Advice For New Writers

Q: Where do you get inspiration from?

A: Everything, all the time. I carry a notebook though, because I forget otherwise.

Q: What three habits do you feel are important for a writer to make?

A: Listening and looking, switching to writing mode as quickly as you can and not judging your work too harshly when you re-read it.

Q: Where is your favourite place to write?

A: I write in what used to be our playroom, a tiny, narrow room at the end of our hall.

Q: How long did it take you to write The Butcher’s Hook?

A: All in all, I guess it took about eighteen months, but that was spread out over two years.

Q: Which part of researching history for the book surprised you the most?

A: How similar in their emotions and ambitions, in thought and desire and appetite Eighteenth Century people were to us.

Q: Aside from Anne Jacob, who is your favourite Butcher’s Hook character and why?

A: I have a soft spot for the cake-eating, chaotic vicar.

Q: What do you feel makes a character more believable?

A: Making them important, even if they only have a walk-on role.

Q: Interesting, I’ve not considered that before. What do you look for when you’re analysing your own first draft?

A: Keeping the voice consistent and spotting places where I’ve started writing for an unknown reader – either an approving or disapproving one.

Q: Has your career in television helped you in your writing in any way?

A: It didn’t get me a deal (my work was first submitted under a pseudonym) but I’m sure there was interest in me suddenly appearing as a writer. In terms of the actual writing, it’s more my actress training that helped (in terms of exploring character and making dialogue work) than my TV presenting.

Q: How do you get over the fear of sharing new writing with others?

A: I’m still not over it! It’s the most terrifying thing, but understanding that every potential reader might have some useful comments and that even harsh criticism might have a germ of truth got me through.

Q: What is a piece of advice you wish you had known before you started writing?

A: Ignore advice! Seriously, you have to find your own way and one person’s routine/structure/choices probably won’t be yours. Trust your voice and your writing.

Q: And finally, how does a new writer go about trying to get their first book published?

A: There are lots of routes – I think finding an agent is a great first step, as it’s great to have someone else who believes in you. If you’re brave enough, self-publishing is one way, but you do need the recourses to promote your book as most self-publishing won’t involve PR or connecting you with readers. But keep trying­ – for every book that gets picked up straight away, there are hundreds of writers who could paper a room with rejection slips – and then get lucky.

Big thank you to Janet for taking the time to answer these questions and for being my first ever chapters advisor!

Do have a read of The Butcher’s Hook if you’re looking for your next book, I’ve not read anything like it! I would describe it as captivating, mysterious, and twisted… go on, I know you’re curious.

Hi, I'm Sunna, a fashion and lifestyle writer from London.
I graduated in Fashion Design at De Montfort University and have since discovered my love for writing. This blog shares my personal journey within the fashion industry together with anything inspiring I find along the way… Happy reading!